The hype for driving fuel-efficient vehicles continues to drive vehicle sales, as seen with the newer versions of hybrid cars being introduced by carmakers. Every automobile maker must come out with a new hybrid line for the coming year if it wants to succeed in the industry. But why are hybrids so popular? Everyone knows that hybrids are the “green” products of the future by using electricity to achieve good gas mileage. But many fail to think about costs, savings, and the technology put into a hybrid. Do these factors still make the hybrid an appealing choice?
Although electric motors are efficient at accelerating, they are costly, heavy and take up a lot of space in a car. As a result, automakers came out with a hybrid vehicle. What makes a hybrid so appealing is the fact that it uses two powertrains, an electric motor and a gasoline engine, that draw power from a battery pack. The large battery pack is recharged by the gas engine and energy recouped from the brakes. Hybrids have their faults as well. The dual drivetrain found in the fuel efficient vehicles can be more expensive than a traditional gas engine alone, the battery pack takes up space, and the pack adds weight to the vehicle.
Hybrids offer significant gas savings for drivers. The Honda Civic Hybrid returns 37 mpg, while the Toyota Camry hybrid returns 34 mpg. In terms of emissions, hybrids typically produce 29 percent less smog-forming nitrogen oxide than conventional cars, according to a study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. And every gallon of gas saved reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 19 pounds, which reduces global warming.
Most of the information gathered was taken from a Consumer Reports article on Hybrids. Make sure to visit your local Miami dealership to see what hybrids they are offering and which ones fit your tastes.
